NSW mother with epileptic daughter pleads for easier access to medicinal cannabis
A mother from New South Wales has issued a plea to the state and federal governments calling for an easier access to medicinal cannabis for her eight-year-old daughter. In an online petition on Change.org, Yvonne Cooper has amassed as many as 50,000 supporters. She is afraid that if her daughter is not given the drug, she may die.
Iron ore tumbles yet again to reach lowest since January
Iron ore spot markets suffered a downslide on Monday, pulling the benchmark level below US$80 (AU$105.15) a dry tonne. It the first time since early January that such a low number has been recorded.
Adani's coal exports to be low quality, will cause air pollution: Report
New evidence has revealed that Adani will be exporting low quality coal, containing high ash content which can result in high levels of air pollution, to India. Meanwhile, those in favour of the Indian conglomerate’s Queensland coal mine said it will be beneficial for the quality of air and bring down greenhouse gas emissions.
Solar farm project in South Australia to create 270 Australian jobs
Construction of a massive solar farm and battery project will be carried out in Riverland region in South Australia. Lyon Group, which is developing the battery storage, has said the project will be the biggest of its kind.
Australia's prosperity depends heavily on its economic relationship with China
Australia’s economic relationship with China will be an instrumental factor in determining its future prosperity. With the importance of resource exports on the rise, there is a need for a newer model of economic engagement. The country should be able to accommodate Chinese demands concerning a variety of services.
Iron ore continues downward trajectory, Chinese port inventories reach record levels
Iron ore spot markets slumped yet again on Friday. As noted by Metal Bulletin, the spot price for benchmark 62 percent fines dropped by a margin of 1.7 percent to reach US$80.39 a dry tonne. This is the lowest price recorded since Jan. 10.
South China Sea dispute parties China, the Philippines to hold bilateral talks
China and the Philippines will discuss the South China Sea maritime dispute in May, according to Filipino officials. Officials from the Philippine’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) have been invited to China to discuss a bilateral consultation mechanism concerning the disputed areas of South China Sea.
Asian coal markets affected by port disruptions, Cyclone Debbie
Asia’s coal markets were affected in March by cyclone affecting the mines in Australia and port disruptions seen in Indonesia. This comes as the strength of Chinese demand and other important import markets persist, thereby enhancing prices.
Prescribing medicinal cannabis to patients immensely difficult, doctors say
Acquiring permission for prescribing medicinal cannabis to patients is proving to be immensely difficult for doctors. The State Government is facing intense pressure to adopt methods to make access to the drug easier.
Australian Capital Territory to lead in renewable energy sourcing
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) could achieve the reputation of becoming one of the top renewable energy regions in the world. The news comes as Australia finds itself divided in the debate concerning the dangers of renewable energy.
Iron ore changes gears following gains in previous two sessions
Iron ore spot markets witnessed a decline on Thursday, a setback that follows the gains of the last few days. This comes after Chinese futures experienced a reversal earlier in the session.
South China Sea dispute rages as China reportedly constructs man-made islands
The South China Sea dispute is making headlines again as a new report from the United States suggests China is nearing the completion of constructing three man-made islands. With the help of these bases, the country will be able to deploy combat aircraft and other military assets more quickly in the region.
Mining accounting for 10 percent of all Australian jobs
As Australia finds itself facing the “post boom” era, the contribution of the mining industry has been much larger than previously believed. The sector accounts for as much as 10 percent of all jobs. According to Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board member Ian Harper, the “export phase” of the mining boom has another 30 years to run.
Cannabis legalisation sees support, opposition alike
Legalisation of cannabis remains an issue of debate among Australian politicians. Canada, on the other hand, announced that it will be introducing a legislature to legalise recreational marijuana by 2018.
Australia's power system should adapt to high use of renewable energy, AEMO says
A report investigating South Australia’s statewide blackout has highlighted the country’s electricity system’s need to adapt to the high use of renewable energy. The blackout on Sep. 28 last year resulted in as many as 850,000 residents experiencing power outage.
Iron ore jumps for second consecutive session, mirroring rise in Chinese futures
Iron ore spot markets continued to increase for the second session in a row on Wednesday. As Chinese futures enjoyed a rise overnight, the trend is likely to continue on Thursday.
Australia’s next biggest source for iron ore demand is India, Fortescue chief says
Fortescue Metals chief executive Nev Power has said Australia can find its next biggest source for iron ore demand in India. Currently, China serves as the Australia’s largest customer.
Australia-China extradition treaty sinks following backbench revolt
The extradition treaty between Australia and China has sunk after Labor and the crossbench voted against it in the parliament. In order to give the go-ahead, the government required Labor to vote in favour of the treaty.
Queensland medicinal cannabis suppliers get approval but affordability remains an issue
Queensland Government has amended its laws to enable licensed cannabis growers and researchers to supply seeds to Australia’s medicinal cannabis market. The development, as part of the Drugs Misuse Act 1986, comes on the heels of public roundtable meetings held last year to discuss the medicinal cannabis scheme.
Iron ore prices bounce back Tuesday, trend expected to continue
Iron ore spot markets reversed on Tuesday after witnessing heavy losses in the past several days. The trend will likely continue on Wednesday as Chinese futures remained strong overnight.
Rising engineering project work in Queensland to support 19,000 jobs
According to a new industry report, Queensland will be home to major engineering work in 2017-2018 that will allow the state to reverse its five-year decline. However, it warns that without funding commitments, any improvements will not be met with long-term results.
Australia, China extradition deal receives support from PM Malcolm Turnbull
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has called for the parliament to give their approval to an extradition deal with China. The PM emphasised that the deal forms a significant part of law enforcement relations between the two nations.
Australian academic barred from leaving China on 'suspicion of harming national security'
An Australian academic who was disallowed from leaving China by state security agents was subjected to another round of questioning. Chongyi Feng, associated professor at the University of Technology Sydney, was barred from leaving for a flight to Sydney twice late last week.
'Pot stock' boom sees Zelda Therapeutics, medicinal cannabis company partnering
Zelda Therapeutics enjoyed an increase in its shares on the back of a partnership with CannPal, a company associated with medicinal cannabis research for treating pets. Zelda will be taking over 10 percent options of CannPal as part of the deal.
Iron ore plummets Monday to reach its lowest in seven weeks
Iron ore spot prices sustained a heavy loss on Monday, marking the fifth loss in the previous six sessions. Falling by 4 percent, the mineral slid down to its minimum in seven weeks.
Australia should enhance competitiveness to eliminate risk of losing global influence
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has called for making the country’s economic competitiveness stronger to prevent its global influence from hurting. In addition, the group also suggests more measures be taken to pursue policy interests in the Indian Ocean rim.
China denies 'militarising' disputed South China Sea islands
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has dismissed his country’s military build-up in the South China Sea waters. Li’s comments came during bilateral talks with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Canberra. Maritime dispute, in addition to trade shipping, was among the issues discussed on Friday.
Construction deal between Australia, China to create 900 jobs
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the BBI Group (BBIG) and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) for the development of the Balla Balla Infrastructure (BBI) iron ore project in Western Australia. As part of the project, stranded iron ores will be linked with export markets.
Medicinal cannabis stocks soar as Australian market revels in 'pot stock' boom
Companies engaged in cultivation and harvesting of medicinal cannabis are revelling in the ‘pot stock’ boom. Their shares have surged by as much as 130 percent this year. The escalation is almost six times as compared to the companies in the United States and Canada.
Iron ore plunges with severe weekly loss affecting this year's gains
Iron ore spot markets slumped yet again on Friday, dropping by a margin of nearly 8 percent this week. With this, the loss shrunk this year's gain to 7.8 percent.
